Trip Essentials (674.42 KB)What gear do I need to bring?
A full gear list is provided in our Trip Essentials brochure (see top of this page to download), but essentially you need clothing for each day (including lightweight thermals for paddling), paddling booties/sandals, swim gear (e.g. bathers, towel, goggles, mask and snorkel), walking shoes and clothes for short bushwalks, rain jacket, and one casual outfit for a dinner out.
All other equipment is supplied, including linen (bedding and bath towel), paddling jacket, buoyancy vest, spray deck, dry bag, paddles.
Sharp Airlines have a 15kg checked baggage limit, so your gear will need to be within this limit.
What does the trip package include?
- Transport on Flinders Island
- All meals and refreshments (with a focus on fresh Flinders Island produce)
- A glass of wine or beer each evening.
- Five nights accommodation at Sawyers Bay Beach Shacks (shared facilities), all linen (bedding and towels)
- Two highly-experienced kayaking guides
- Comfortable and stable double sea kayaks
- All specialist paddling equipment (good-quality paddle, paddling jacket, spray deck, buoyancy vest and a dry bag)
- National Park entry fees.
What is excluded from the trip package?
- Travel to and from Flinders Island
- Accommodation before or after trip
- Airport car parking
- Travel insurance
Flights: You can either purchase flights through us when you book from Launceston to Flinders Island on the first day of your tour, or you can book directly with Sharp Airlines if you would like to extend your stay. Sharp Airlines have direct flights from Launceston and Melbourne (Essendon Airport).
What does the accommodation look like?
Your accommodation comprises two comfortable beach houses, set a short distance apart, behind the dunes overlooking the secluded Sawyers Beach. The main house has the common dining room, kitchen and lounge. Both houses have bedrooms and bathrooms. Some rooms have double beds, others have bunk beds. All linen is provided. (http://www.sawyersbayshacks.com.au/).
How many people in the group?
By having group sizes of 4 to 8 with 2 guides we are able to provide all participants with an intimate Flinders Island experience.
I’m a single traveller, what are my options?
If you wish to have your own room, a 50% surcharge will apply. Otherwise, single travellers will share a room, with bunk beds.
Do I need to be an experienced kayaker?
While it is not necessary to be an experienced kayaker, it is recommended that you have done enough kayaking to be comfortable spending up to 2 hours at one time in a kayak. It is also important you are in reasonable shape and most of all have a sense of adventure.
Is this trip suitable for children?
We don’t recommend the Flinders Island Adventure for children under 16 years of age.
How far/long will we paddle each day?
On a typical day we aim to paddle for approximately 2-3 hours in the morning and 2-3 hours in the afternoon. Sometimes we may spend an afternoon or morning enjoying a short walk instead of paddling. Paddling speed is relaxed – i.e. it’s more of a walk than a sprint.
Do you have a set itinerary?
Due to the variability of the weather (including Roaring Forties winds) and the range of options available, we have no fixed schedule. Our guides will decide each day’s itinerary based on the weather. Whilst we do our best to fulfil your wishes, our first priority is your safety. The number of days paddling and the number of hours paddling per day depends upon participants and the weather. There may be days when kayaking is not possible due to strong winds. On these days we find a great spot to walk – and there are many to choose from. Bring suitable footwear and clothing.
What weather can I expect?
The climate on Flinders Island is generally mild (by Tasmanian standards) as the sea has a moderating effect, protecting the islands from extremes of temperature. It’s cooler than Melbourne in summer and unexpectedly warmer in winter. And surprisingly, Flinders Island has more sunny days than the Gold Coast! Expect average temperatures in March and April between 12° to 22° degrees and at least one day of rain or drizzle. Flinders Island is located on the 40th parallel, with the Roaring Forties winds crossing the island.
What are the guides like?
We are lucky to have a team of professional guides whom return each summer to share their passion for Tasmania. All our guides have sea kayaking qualifications with Paddle Australia or equivilant. You can expect highly skilled and knowledgeable guides that are also, of course, friendly, approachable and good cooks!
What safety equipment do you provide?
All trip leaders hold sea kayaking and wilderness first aid qualifications. We carry an extensive first aid kit, satellite phone, location beacon, marine radio, flare kits and towing equipment in case of emergencies.
Flinders Island has a resident doctor, pharmacy and emergency services. These services are some distance from our accommodation, so bring all the medication you will require for your trip. If you are taking medications with you when you are kayaking, please be sure to let the guide know, and include an extra supply packed separately in case your medications get wet. It is also important that you let us know if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or injuries.
Will my mobile phone work?
Mobile phone coverage is patchy at Sawyers Bay Shacks and across Flinders Island. Phones and cameras can be charged at Sawyers Bay Shacks. We highly recommend turning your phone off so that you can fully immerse yourself in island time on your 6-day island escape.
What meals do you provide?
All meals, snacks and drinks are provided from lunch on day 1 to lunch on the last day. We can cater for most dietary requirements (vegetarians, vegans, lactose/gluten intolerant). If you have a dietary requirement you need to let us know when you book.
A glass of wine or beer is provided with dinner each evening. If you would like additional alcohol there will be the opportunity to purchase it on the island.
Where do I meet up with my tour group?
If you book your flights with us we will meet you at Launceston Airport at 1pm on the first day of your tour.
If you book your flights independently we will meet you at Flinders Island Airport at 2.30pm on the first day of your tour.
Can I organise a private trip?
Yes, we can organise private trips for a minmum of 8 participants and a maximum of 10. Please contact us for more information.
Do I need to pay a deposit to secure a place?
For all bookings made more than 60 days prior to the scheduled trip date, a non-refundable deposit of $400 per person is required to reserve your place. The balance is due 60 days prior to the departure date. For reservations made 60 days or less from the departure date, full payment must be made at the time of booking.
What is your cancellation policy?
Bookings cancelled more than 60 days prior to departure will forfeit the deposit.
Bookings cancelled between 60 to 30 days prior to departure will be charged 50% of the trip cost.
Bookings cancelled inside 30 days prior to departure will be charged the full value of the booking. No refunds.
Roaring 40s Kayaking requires full payment 60 days prior to departure and reserves the right to cancel expeditions up until this date if there are insufficient numbers. In such a case, participants will be given a choice of:
- Transferring payments towards another trip date; or
- The payment of an additional fee to have the trip run as scheduled; or
- Receiving a full refund.
In the event of such a cancellation, Roaring 40s Kayaking cannot be held responsible for any losses incurred by participants, i.e. non-refundable airlines tickets and accommodation. If for any reason whatsoever a participant cancels less than four weeks prior to the trip departure, they will forfeit all payments. For this reason, we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers losses due to unforeseen events that result in cancellations, including COVID cancellations.